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Nagoya Grampus extend lead in Japanese J League

(GSM) - Nagoya Grampus extended their lead in the Japanese J League, beating Shimizu S-Pulse 1-5 while Kashima Antlers dropped points in a 1-1 draw at Sanfrecce Hiroshima.

After Kashima reduced the gap with Nagoya from seven to five points in last week's action, things were now the other way around as the leaders restored their original advantage.

After a goalless first half at Shimizu, it was actually the home side to take the lead through Takuma Edamura in the 47th minute.

But Nagoya reacted well with Keiji Tamada leveling three minutes later, for Joshua Kennedy to complete the turn around near the hour. Further goals from Tamada, who went on to complete a hat-trick, and one more from Kennedy, set the final score to 1-5.

Kashima played away to Sanfrecce in a match that could have ended worse for the current numbers two in the standings.

Tadanari Lee handed the Hiroshima hosts an opening goal in the 20th minute but Yuya Osako limited the damage for the visiting team in added time.

In the battle for third place, Gamba Osaka won 1-2 at Kawasaki Frontale with goals from Sota Nakazawa and Lucas. Local rivals Cerezo Osaka, currently in fourth position, drew 0-0 at Vissel Kobe.